Mitch quotes and critics

Question 1

Mitch as working class

Answer 1

“roughly dressed in blue denim work clothes”

Question 2

Mitch as well mannered

Answer 2

“How do you do?”- Mitch to Blanche. Juxtaposes to Stanley’s male gaze

Question 3

Mitch as an idea of escape for Blanche

Answer 3

“yes- I want Mitch …very badly” “I can leave here and not be anyone’s problem”- Blanche. Idea of Mitch as an escape is more appealing than him as an individual.

Question 4

Mitch as a misogynist

Answer 4

“you’re not clean enough to bring in a house with my mother”- her sexual liberty is unacceptable in the patriarchy, double standards due to her sins. Exposes societal pressures. Virgin-whore dichotomy.
“Poker should not be played in a house with women”-parallels to Stanley

Question 5

Mitch as hope

Answer 5

“I like you to be exactly the way you are”- Mitch to Blanche

“you need somebody and I need somebody too”-he is inexperienced and self-conscious which makes him vulnerable to deciet

Question 6

Mitch and paper lantern

Answer 6

“He tears the paper lantern off the light bulb. She utters a frightened gasp”

Question 7

Mitch as caring

Answer 7

“not at my place, my mothers sick”- beta male contrast to Stanley, suggesting he is immune to fragile masculintiy. Aspects of femininity.

Question 8

psychoanalytical reading, symbolism of Mitch

Answer 8

symbolic of Allan to Blanche, parallels of femininity causing attraction.

Question 9

Mitch feeling betrayed

Answer 9

“lies, lies, lies inside and out all lies”- Mitch to Blanche